Let’s just begin by saying that this week’s episode had a lot going on! There was the New York skyline, references to iconic designs, Blake speaking in half-opened mouth sentences (plus his inability to tell time), serger excuses, judges making really confusing decisions, and best of all: NEW MOOD BAGS! Lots to discuss, shall we get started.
The designers all meet up with La Heidi on the main stage, where she tells them that their next challenge “is on the horizon” and that they will “like the view” No, they were not going to visit Tim Gunn’s fabulous Manhattan apartment. Instead, they head out to Long Island City where they all have a spectacular view of the NYC skyline. Tim was there to greet them along with Luis Casco, Mary Kay Global Makeup Artist. Casco announces to the designers that this is the Mary Kay Challenge. After Tim tells the designers that “just as NY has its iconic architecture, fashion has its iconic design.” Cue the challenge: to put a modern twist on an iconic design, such as a pencil skirt, trench coat, LBD, etc…
But in typical “Project Runway” form, there has to be more. In addition to the iconic re-do, the designers must also incorporate the NYC skyline as a result of Mary Kay’s newest makeup line “City Modern Collection.” The new makeup is inspired by city buildings and sleek architecture. I think that theme ALONE was a good base for a challenge. I have to admit that I get a little miffed when the show feels the need to give a challenge and then add a “side note” addition to it. I think it’s enough to just stick to one thing and let it be that. Otherwise, it muddles the directive and it’s also slightly confusing to the viewer. (And I’m sure, the designers as well.)
Moving on. The designers have a budget of $250 and they can go to Mood, for the first time in the season. (PS: LOVE the new see-through neon “Mood” bags!) Back in the workroom, we discover that little Blake cannot tell time, or at least he does this whole “I’m dumb and isn’t it cute?” act of pretending not to know how to tell time, which neither I nor his fellow contestant Lindsey buys.
Tim checks in and we get enlightened on what some of the designers’ “iconic” fashion inspirations are. They range from the wrap dress (Amanda), the LBD (Swapnil, Joseph), to the white t-shirt (Kelly) and even Whitney Houston and Annie Lennox. (Oh Edmond, I heart you.) Speaking of Edmond, was he seriously wearing a coal miner head lamp?! I just about fell off my couch when I saw that. All I kept thinking was, “This boy is PREPARED huuuuuuneeey!” He’s been organizing his kit for TEN years and FOURTEEN SEASONS, so you know he was going to cross every “t” and dot every “i” when it came to his essentials. In predictable form, Tim is both intrigued and a bit confused as to what the designers are working on. In particular he doesn’t understand Blake’s design and use of both knit and woven fabrics. I’m just confused at trying to understand what Blake says. He mumbles. A lot. Now I realize why Swapnil kept asking him, “What???” when he was trying to speak to him back in Episode 2.
Runway day and Blake’s design is barely sewn, as Joseph intuitively says, “It is held together by chewing gum and/or glue.” Gabrielle is having serger issues. She doesn’t know how to thread it. (And no one else on Season 14 seems to know as well, allegedly) Her design includes a knit dress which she says she can’t finish without the serger. This is bullpucky, if you pardon my language. I have sewn many a knit garment with my industrial sewing machine and no additional overlock. It is not ideal, but you can “make it work.” She didn’t, as we soon find out.
On the runway, actress Kiernan Shipka of “Mad Men” is on hand as the guest judge. The designs come out and here’s the good, the so-so and the oh dear, in my eyes:
In terms of good, I really loved Kelly’s white t-shirt re-do — very 90’s hip-hop fashion girl a la 2015. Joseph made a very chic and sleek peplum dress. It wasn’t very original per se, but it did scream Madison Avenue Diva. I also thought Jake’s sequined basketball jersey number was sexy as heck even though it was WAY too short. But boy, did that scream “Heidi Klum”! (Note to Heidi: take that dress and run huney!) Swapnil’s design was also too short, but I liked the fullness of the front and his original voluminous-yet-fitted take on the LBD. It was fun and fancy. Candice’s leather UBER fitted sheath dress and white coat was sexy and sharp and Laurie’s poet blouse and pencil skirt ensemble was quite fab. These last three were my favorites.
Amanda’s wrap dress-inspired look was a bit maternity, but I didn’t think it was that bad — definitely so-so. Lindsey’s crop top, ankle skirt and coat was not very original or exciting. The two bottom for me were Blake and Gabrielle. Both in design and yes, very poor construction. Now I know, many a time during all these seasons of “Project Runway”, the judges bring up the fact that this is NOT a sewing contest but a design one. But I personally do think it’s important to look at the poor construction. This week, it seems that the judges did look at that when it came to Gabrielle, but looked the other way when it came to Blake. His “original” parachute girl design outweighed the, why is the dress shifting and why is the neckline unfinished? And what’s with the wonky sides? Somehow, Blake won.
I’m perplexed at why he got such a pass on his construction. Are we witnessing the beginnings of a “Judges’ Favorite”? We’ll see. Personally, I would have picked Candice or Swapnil as the winner. But, congrats to Blake for winning $5,000 and a Mary Kay advertorial in Marie Claire. I can see the photo now: she’s parachuting from the top of a Manhattan building in that dress…while wearing Mary Kay’s newest City Modern makeup! Let’s just hope they gave him a chance to remake the dress for the photoshoot.
And yes, it was Gabrielle who got the “Auf.” One look at her butchered hem and confused coat sleeves and it was bye bye. Gabrielle did not get a pass and this time, it was deservedly so.
